Hair Treatment Applicator for Improved Hair Strand Effects

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an applicator ( 1 ) which allows for precise, non-messy and even application of a hair treatment composition to a hair strand. The applicator ( 1 ) comprises a plate ( 10 ) movably joined by a connection ( 30 ) to a well ( 20 ), a hair orientation means on the internal surface ( 101 ) of the plate ( 10 ) which extends towards the well ( 20 ) and a fluid metering means comprising a lower metering means ( 50 ) on the rim ( 222 ) of the well ( 20 ) and an upper metering means ( 60 ) on the internal surface of said plate ( 10 ), wherein said upper metering means ( 60 ) and lower metering means ( 50 ) independently comprise at least one resilient strip ( 13 ). When said applicator ( 1 ) is in a closed state, the lower metering means ( 50 ) and the upper metering means ( 60 ) are substantially juxtaposed to provide said fluid metering means.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an applicator which allows for precise,non-messy and even application of a cosmetic composition to fibres,preferably keratinous fibres. The applicator, which comprises a hairorientation means and a fluid metering means, is especially intended fora hair treatment composition to provide hair strand effects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Application of hair treatment compositions to distinct hair strandsallows the user to achieve a different look than a full headapplication. Hair treatment compositions for providing a hair strandeffects include highlighting compositions, dyeing compositions, permingcompositions, styling compositions and mixtures thereof.

Hair strand effects such as those provided by highlighting compositionsand dyeing compositions must be precisely applied where desired. Forexample, if a too abundant amount of highlighting composition is appliedto the root, it may transfer to the neighbouring unselected hairstrands. This may alter the overall end result and may totally disruptthe pattern that the user has tried to create. If an excessive amount ofproduct is applied to the root, the colour effect will not be consistentalong the length of the hair, leading to an undesired visual effect. If,instead, insufficient composition is applied to the hair strands, theevenness of the hair strand effect may not be achieved producing an endresult which is visually unacceptable. Hence it is important that aconsistent amount of product is applied uniformly along the hair strandsbeing treated.

One known method for providing hair strand effects such as highlightingis the cap and hook system. A cap, provided with holes, is positionedover the head and hair strands are pulled out with a hook. Far frombeing accurate, the cap and hook system suffers from several drawbacksincluding random selection of the hair strands via the holes on the capand the likelihood of applying the highlighting composition to only aportion of the selected hair strands and not to the root portion.

Several applicators have been designed for application of a hairtreatment composition to independent bundles of hair strands asalternatives to the cap and hook system. These applicators belong to twogeneral fields. One field comprises applicators based on combs and/orbrushes. The other group comprises applicators having two articulatedportions which are movable one relative to the other. Many attempts havebeen disclosed in this later field. U.S. Pat. No. 3,030,968 refers to anapplicator for liquid treating material to be loaded by immersion. Thisapplicator comprises a trough and a hair guide member mounted on theends of the legs of a U-shaped resilient spring. The spring allows formanual compression and permits the hair guide member to fit into thetrough. U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,231 discloses a device for applying a hairproduct to hair strands. This device comprises two articulated portions;the application means to be loaded by immersion and the retaining memberto keep the hair strands on the applicator means while the device is inuse. Another attempt is shown in US2003/0024544 wherein a device isdisclosed provided with a cavity for the hair product and a retentionmember which is elastically deformable. The retention member maycomprise porous or fibrous material and the cavity is provided with atleast one notch to keep the hair strands in position during theapplication of the hair treatment composition. However the use of suchmembers has a number of drawbacks, in particular the deposition of thecomposition is not uniform across all the hair strands and or mayexcessively coat the hair or not coat some hair strands at all.Moreover, the composition may also be displaced from the applicatorcausing mess.

It is generally recognized that the self-application of a composition toachieve hair strand effects are difficult per se, in particular thosefor highlighting and dyeing. To achieve the expected end results, anapplicator capable of facilitating the self-application of a hairtreatment composition needs to be conceived to address several technicalchallenges but, in particular, the applicator should evenly apply thecomposition to independent bundles of hair strands. Evenness is veryimportant when the composition is a highlighting or dyeing composition.The permanent effect provided by these compositions is not immediatelyvisible after the application and if the result is not appealing, it isnot easily reversed. An applicator should hence ensure homogeneouscoating along the length and width of the bundle of hair strands andlikewise on the front and rear surfaces.

In addition, such applicators should apply an amount of hair treatmentcomposition, which is sufficient to coat all of the hair strands andthereby provide a hair strand effect without transferring toneighbouring strands or the scalp and skin. Furthermore, the applicatorshould not apply but then subsequently scrape off the hair treatmentcomposition while the user moves the applicator along the bundle of hairstrands. The application of the composition with such an applicatorshould also occur in a tidy and clean fashion without the hair treatmentcomposition leaking out of the hair treatment applicator. The applicatorshould also allow the movement of hair through the applicator withouthindering its path resulting in snaring, entanglement and potentiallydiscomfort to the user.

Finally, such an applicator for hair treatment compositions should beeasy to use; it should be cheap and easy to manufacture and it shouldnot require any special experience and training in matters such as howmuch and where to load the hair treatment composition. Ideally, theconsumer should be able to load and use the applicator by simplyfollowing a few instructions provided by the manufacturer to provide thedesired result.

It has now been found that an applicator, as defined herein after, cansignificantly improve the application of a hair treatment composition toprovide hair strand effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the invention, an applicator (1) for applying a hairtreatment composition to the hair, wherein said applicator (1) comprisesa plate (10) and a well (20), wherein said plate (10) and well (20) aremovably joined by a connection (30) so that the applicator (1) mayalternate between a closed and an open state, and wherein said plate(10) has an external surface (102) and an internal surface (101), andsaid internal surface (101) comprises at least one hair orientationmeans which extends beyond said internal surface (101) towards said well(20), and wherein said well (20) comprises a rim (222) and wherein saidapplicator (1) further comprises a fluid metering means, wherein saidfluid metering means comprises a lower metering means (50) positioned onsaid rim (222) of said well (20), and an upper metering means (60)positioned on said internal surface (101) of said plate (10), whereinsaid lower and upper metering means (50, 60), each independentlycomprise at least one resilient strip (13), and wherein when saidapplicator (1) is in said closed state, said lower metering means (50)and said upper metering means (60) are substantially juxtaposed toprovide said fluid metering means.

Furthermore, a method to apply a hair treatment composition to a hairstrand whereby said hair strand is contacted with said applicator (1)according to the invention and a kit-of-parts comprising an applicator(1) according to the invention are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of said applicator (1)according to the invention. Said applicator comprises a plate (10), awell (20) and a connection (30). In this embodiment, a lower meteringmeans (50), is laid upon said rim (222) of said wall (202) of said well(20) and a upper metering means (60) is laid upon the internal surface(101) of said plate (10) along said perimeter (103) of said plate (10)and a hair orientation means which is a member (40) that projects fromsaid internal surface (101) of said plate (10). The upper and lowermetering means (60, 50) each comprise a set of strips (13). Theapplicator (1) is shown herein in an open state, whereby said internalsurface (101) of said plate (10) is in a distant relationship to saidopening (203) of said well (20). On the base (201) of said well (20)adjacent to said wall (202) at the side of the connection (30) saidapplicator (1) comprises a sealing means (401).

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the applicator (1)according to the invention. The applicator (1) is shown in thisembodiment in a closed state. Part of said wall (202) of said well (20)has been removed to show that from said internal surface (101) of saidplate (10), which in this embodiment is substantially flat, and a hairorientation means which comprises two substantially identical fins, afirst fin (70) and a second fin (71) which project in a way that saidproximal edges (90; 91) are substantially parallel to said axis Y andsaid distal edges (80; 81) verge one toward the other. A lower meteringmeans (50) is laid upon said rim (222) of said wall (202) and an uppermetering means (60) is laid upon said substantially flat internalsurface (101), along said perimeter (103) of said plate (10). The upperand lower metering means (60, 50) each comprise a set of strips (13).

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of said applicator (1)according to the invention. Said plate (10) is movably joined to saidwell (20) by a connection (30). A member (40), which has a substantiallypyramidal frustum form, projects from said internal surface (101) ofsaid plate (10). A lower metering means (50) is laid upon said rim (222)in two portions (50; 50′), and an upper metering means (60) is laid uponthe internal surface (101) of said plate (10) in two portions (60; 60′).

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator (1)according to the invention. Said applicator (1) comprises a plate (10)connected by a connection (30) to a well (20). Said connection (30)comprises two female parts fixed by a pin (38). A lower metering means(50) is laid upon said rim (222) in two portions (50; 50′). An uppermetering means (60) is laid upon said internal surface (101) along saidperimeter (103) in two portions (60; 60′). Two substantially identical(70; 71) fins project from the internal surface (101) to form the hairorientation means.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C are partial cross sectional views of said plate (1)of said applicator (10) according to the invention illustrating a numberof configurations for said upper metering means (60).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of this invention, the term hair refers to both livinghair i.e. on a living body and to non-living hair i.e. in a wig,hairpiece or other aggregation of non-living keratinous fibre.Mammalian, preferably human hair is intended.

For the purpose of this invention, the term “laid upon” is generallyused to indicate the location of the feature to which it refers and notthe act of locating it.

The present invention is characterized by the synergistic relationshipthat the features as described herein have when combined together in thespecific relationship selected within the present invention to solve theabove technical problem.

To achieve the technical effect described herein, the applicator (1) forapplying a hair treatment composition to the hair according to thepresent invention comprises a plate (10) and a well (20) as shown inFIG. 1. A connection (30) movably joins said plate (10) to said well(20). Said plate (10) comprises a perimeter (103) and an internal (101)and an external surface (102). Said well (20) is formed by a base (201)and a wall (202), said wall (202) emerging from said base (201) andextending upwardly. Said wall (202) comprises a rim (222), said wall(202) and said rim (222) define an opening (203) of said well (20) asshown in FIG. 1. Said plate (10) and said well (20) are movably joinedby said connection (30), so that said applicator (1) can alternate froman open state to a closed state. In this latter state, said internalsurface (101) of said plate (10) is in a juxtaposed relationship to saidopening (203) of said well (20).

Said internal surface (101) of said plate (10) further comprises atleast one hair orientation means, which in FIG. 1 is a member (40) whichextends beyond said internal surface (101) towards said well (20),preferably towards but not touching said base (201) of said well (20)when the applicator is in a closed state.

Said applicator (1) further comprises a fluid metering means whichcomprises a lower metering means (50) and an upper metering means (60).Said lower metering means (50) is laid upon said rim (222) of said well(202) of said well (20) as seen in FIGS. 1 to 4. Said upper meteringmeans (60) is laid upon said internal surface (101) of said plate (10),preferably along said perimeter (103) of said plate (10). Said lower(50) and upper (60) metering means each independently comprise at leastone resilient strip (13), preferably from 2 to 20, more preferably from4 to 14 strips (13). Preferably each of said strips (13) is continuous.Said lower metering means (50) and said upper metering means (60) arepositioned such that when said applicator (1) is in said closed state,said lower metering means (50) and said upper metering means (60) aresubstantially juxtaposed to provide said fluid metering means.

The combination of said hair orientation member (40) and fluid meteringmeans comprising a lower metering means (50) and an upper metering means(60) as described below enable said applicator (1) to perform anapplication of a hair treatment composition to a hair strand, not onlyin a clean and non-messy fashion, but also evenly to provide aneffective hair strand effect.

1. Applicator

The applicator (1) according to the present invention comprises a plate(10) movably joined to a well (20). Said plate (10) and said well (20)of said applicator (1) according to the invention are of ergonomic sizeand can thus fit easily on either hand. Said internal surface (101)preferably has a surface area of from about 2 cm² to about 150 cm²,preferably from about 2 cm² to about 70 cm², more preferably from about3 cm² to about 50 cm² and even more preferably from about 4 cm² to about30 cm². The shape of said plate (10) may vary. Rectangular, square,circular, elliptical, oblong shape or combination thereof may be usefulas they are easy to manufacture but other shapes, particularly thosethat are easily recognized by the consumers may also be used.

Said plate (10) of said applicator (1) comprises an axis Y. Axis Yextends straight from the centre of said plate (10) and transversallycrosses said connection (30), preferably substantially perpendicular tosaid connection (30).

Said plate (10) comprises a perimeter (103), an internal surface (101)and an external surface (102). Said well (20) comprises a base (201), awall (202) and said wall (202) comprises a rim (222). Said rim (222)defines an opening (203) and an internal volume (204) of said well (20).Said internal volume (204) is preferably for containing a hair treatmentcomposition.

Preferably, said perimeter (103) of said plate (10) and said rim (222)of said wall (202) of said well (20) may be curvilinear or sharp. Saidperimeter (103) of said plate (10) and said rim (222) of said wall (202)of said well (20) have each independently a length. Preferably, saidperimeter (103) and said rim (222), have substantially identicallengths. Said rim (222) also comprises a width. Preferably, said widthof said rim (222) is from about 1 mm to about 20 mm, more preferablyfrom about 2 mm to about 15 mm, even more preferably from about 3 mm toabout 8 mm.

Said internal surface (101) of said plate (10) may be substantially flatas shown in FIG. 2 or may be concave, convex or have a waved pattern.Said external surface (102), said wall (202) and said base (201) mayalso be substantially flat, concave, convex or waved. Preferably, saidbase (201) of said well (20) is substantially flat.

Said plate (10) and said well (20) may be manufactured from any knownmaterial or combination of materials capable of supporting a hairtreatment composition. Suitable materials are polymer resins such as apolyolefins e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethyleneterephthalate. Other materials which could be used includepolyvinylchloride, polyamide, acetyl, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene,acrylic, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, ethylene vinyl alcohol,polycarbonate, polystyrene, silicone or thermo plastic elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanate or copolymers where appropriate; flexible pliablesubstrates such as paper boards, metal based substrates and aluminiumfoils, filmic substrates or multiple laminations or combinations ofmultiple layers of said materials.

The method of manufacture of said plate (10) and said well (20) mayinclude, but is not limited to, injection moulding, co-injectionmoulding, over moulding, in-mold assembly, compression moulding, blowmoulding, thermo or vacuum forming of a blister type shell andlamination onto a carrier plastic or board material in the horizontal orvertical plane.

A connection (30) movably joins said plate (10) and said well (20) suchthat it is possible for said applicator (1) to alternate from an openstate to a closed state. Said applicator (1) is shown in FIG. 2 in aclosed state. When said device (10) is in a closed state, said lowermetering means (50), is in a substantially juxtaposed relationship tosaid upper metering means (60).

Said plate (10) and said well (20) are connected via any suitable meansthat fulfils the above described requirements for a connection (30),including the user's hand, for example through the thumb and indexfinger. In one embodiment, said plate (10) and said well (20) aremounted at the ends of the arms of a tweezers-like or tong-likeconnection (30). In another embodiment said plate (10) and said well(20) are connected via one or more hinges, preferably one hinge.Preferably, said connection (30) is contiguous and located adjacent tosaid perimeter (103) of said plate (10) and to said rim (222) of saidwell (20).

A connection (30) is necessary to improve the user's perception ofcontrol over the applicator (1) and to allow the user to guide theapplicator (1), with the use of either hand, precisely and easily toeach bundle of hair strands.

2. Hair Orientation Means

The applicator (1) of the present invention further comprises at leastone hair orientation means. Said hair orientation means projects fromsaid internal surface (101) of said plate (10). The presence of saidhair orientation means ensures that during use the hair strand is bentwithin said well (20). Without wishing to be bound by theory it isbelieved that the hair orientation means enables said hair strand,preferably said bundle of hair strands, to contact said hair treatmentcomposition within said internal volume (204) of said well (20) and notonly at said opening (203) of said well (20). This improves the evennessof the application, in particular, the evenness from the root to the tipof the bundle of hair strands as described herein after.

In one embodiment of the present invention, said hair orientation meansis a member (40), which projects from said internal surface (101) ofsaid plate (10), wherein said member (40) preferably has a substantiallypyramidal frustum form, as shown in FIG. 3. Said member (40) may havevarious forms including, but not limited to, a parallelepiped form, acube form, a cylinder form, a conical or a pyramidal form. Said member(40) may also be composed of a plurality of independent units groupedtogether; said independent units may comprise bristles, teeth or tines.Said member (40) projects from said internal surface (101) of said plate(10) with a maximum height (H) and extends along said internal surface(101) with a maximum width (W) and a maximum length (L). Said member(40), preferably projects orthogonally to said axis Y with said maximumheight (H). Said member (40) may extend along said internal surface(101) of said plate (10) with its maximum length (L) either along saidaxis Y or substantially parallel to said axis Y or transversally to saidaxis Y.

Preferably, said maximum length (L) is at least twice said maximum width(W). The maximum length (L) is preferably from about 20.0 cm to about0.2 cm, more preferably from about 15.0 cm to about 0.3 cm, even morepreferably from about 10.0 cm to about 0.5 cm. The maximum width (W) ispreferably from about 2.5 cm to about 0.01 cm, more preferably fromabout 1.0 cm to about 0.02 cm, even more preferably from about 0.5 cm toabout 0.03 cm. The maximum height (H) is preferably from about 5.0 cm toabout 0.1 cm, more preferably from about 2.5 cm to about 0.2 cm, evenmore preferably from about 1.5 cm to about 0.3 cm.

When said applicator (1) is in a closed state, said member (40) does notcontact said base (201) of said well (20), so that a passage is left andsaid hair strand, preferably said bundle of hair strands, is notconstrained during use.

In another embodiment according to the invention, said hair orientationmeans comprises a first fin (70) and a second fin (71), whichindependently project from said internal surface (101) of said plate(10) as shown in FIG. 2, wherein each fin (70; 71) has a free distaledge (80; 81); wherein the free distal edge (80) of the first fin (70)points towards the free distal edge (81) of the second fin (71). Theterm “fin” within the scope of the present invention defines a strip orsheet of material, preferably of substantially constant thickness asdescribed below. The form of said first (70) and second (71) fin mayvary; preferably said first (70) and second (71) fin have the form of aparallelepiped wherein two of the six faces extend for an area which isat least twice the area of the other four faces. These two faces havepreferably a substantially flat surface. The shape of said first (70)and second (71) fin may vary. Rectangular, square, circular, elliptical,oblong or combination thereof may be useful. A rectangular shape asshown in FIG. 2 is preferred.

Said first fin (70) projects from said internal surface (101) of saidplate (10) and extends for an average first length (L1) of from about 2mm to about 30 mm. Said second fin (71) extends independently from saidfirst fin (70) for an average second length (L2) of from about 2 mm toabout 30 mm. Preferably said first (70) fin and said second (71) finsproject independently from said internal surface (101) of said plate(10) and extend with substantially identical average first and secondlengths (L1; L2). Each of said first (70) and second (71) fin has adistal edge (80; 81) and a proximal edge (90; 91). Said proximal edge(90; 91) are those attached to said internal surface (101) of said plate(10) as shown in FIG. 2. Said proximal edges (90; 91) are eachindependently delimited by an average width (W1) for said first fin (70)and an average width (W2) for second fin (71) and each independently byaverage thickness (T1) for said first fin (70) and an average thickness(T2) for said second fin (71). Said average width (W1) and (W2) arepreferably of from about 20 cm to about 0.5 cm, more preferably fromabout 15 cm to about 1.0 cm and even more preferably from about 10 cm toabout 1.5 cm. Said average thicknesses (T1) and (T2) are preferably fromabout 5 mm to about 0.1 mm, more preferably from about 4 mm to about 0.5mm, even more preferably from about 3 mm to about 0.5 mm. Preferably,said distal edges (80; 81) have also substantially identical averagewidths (W1) and (W2) and substantially identical average thicknesses(T1) and (T2) as those proximal edges (90; 91). Said first and secondfins (70; 71) may have protrusions (75) or may be embossed, especiallyto provide visual or tactile decoration.

Preferably said first (70) and second fins (71) are substantiallyidentical and project in a way that said proximal edges (90; 91) aresubstantially parallel to said axis Y and said distal edges (80; 81)verge one toward the other as shown in FIG. 2. Preferably said proximaledge (90) of said first fin (71), more preferably said proximal edge(90) of said first fin (71) and said proximal edge (91) of said secondfin (71) project from said internal surface (121) substantially parallelto said axis Y of said plate (120) as shown in FIG. 2.

Said hair orientation means may be provided in a variety of materials aspreviously described herein to manufacture the plate (10) or well (20)and be manufactured independently of said applicator (1). Preferablysaid hair orientation means is fluid impervious. More preferably saidhair orientation means is selected from polyolefins, thermo plasticelastomers and mixtures thereof. In certain embodiments, both the saidfirst (70) and second (71) fin and said plate (10) may be manufacturedwithin the same injection or co-injection mould for example from athermo plastic elastomer.

3. Fluid Metering Means

The applicator (1) according to the present invention is characterizedby a fluid metering means, preferably liquid impervious comprising alower metering means (50) and an upper metering means (60) as describedherein. Said lower metering means (50) is positioned upon said rim (222)of said well (20) and said upper metering means (60) is positioned uponsaid internal surface (101), more preferably along said perimeter (103)of said plate (10) and wherein the upper (60) and lower (50) meteringmeans each independently comprise at least one resilient strip (13).When said applicator (1) is in said closed state, said lower meteringmeans (50) and said upper metering means (60) are substantiallyjuxtaposed to provide said fluid metering means. The term resilient asused herein refers to the ability of the strip to be deformed upon theapplication of pressure and return to its relaxed position upon releaseof the pressure.

Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that by havingsaid fluid metering means comprising a lower metering means (50) laidupon said rim (222) of said well (20) and an upper metering means (60)laid upon said internal surface (101) of said plate (10), preferablyalong said perimeter (103), wherein each of said upper and lowermetering means (50, 60) independently comprise at least one resilientstrip (13), and whereby said lower metering means (50) and said uppermetering means (60) are substantially juxtaposed when said applicator(1) is in a closed state; allows said applicator (1) not only to applythe hair treatment composition, but to even said application along theentire hair strand.

Evenness is important in the application of a hair treatmentcomposition, especially when said hair treatment composition is ahighlighting composition or a dyeing composition. The permanent effectprovided by those compositions is not immediately visible after theapplication and if the result is not appealing, it is not easilyreversed. An applicator should hence ensure homogeneous applicationalong the length, from root to tip, of said bundle of hair strands andlikewise also on the front and rear surfaces and across the width of thebundle of hair strands. Therefore, it is not only the amount of hairtreatment composition which is applied that is important but also theway it is applied. The applicator (1) according to the invention is notonly designed to facilitate the application of a hair treatmentcomposition to a hair strand, preferably to a bundle of hair strands,said applicator (1) also avoids that said hair treatment composition isneither applied in excessive amount nor removed from said hair strandwhile the applicator (1) is used, so as to obtain a very homogeneous andreproducible application, without the hair movement being impaired bytangling or snagging during use. In particular, the provision ofresilient strips ensures that no pressure points are generated duringuse that consequently scrapes the composition off the hair. Theresilience also ensures that in the absence of hair, in a closedposition, the applicator forms a seal at the rim to prevent anycomposition leaking out, whilst in the presence of hair, it can deformand enable the hair and a controlled amount of composition to passthrough.

The term strip (13) within the scope of the present invention defines astrip or sheet of material, preferably of substantially constantthickness as described below. The form of each of said strips (13) mayvary; but preferably each strip (13) has the form of a parallelepipedwherein two of the six faces extend for an area which is at least twicethe area of the other four faces. These two faces have preferably asubstantially flat surface. The shape of each of said strips (13) mayvary. Rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, oblong or combinationthereof may be useful. A rectangular shape as shown in FIG. 2 ispreferred.

The strip of said lower metering means (50) may be laid upon said rim(222) in a continuous or discontinuous manner, preferably in acontinuous manner. By discontinuous is meant that each of said stripsmay form loci or islets or may be interrupted. In one embodiment, saidlower metering means (50) is laid upon the entire rim (222) of said wall(202) so that said rim (222) is substantially not visible and entirelycovered by said lower metering means (50). In another embodiment, saidlower metering means (50) is laid upon only a section or a plurality ofsections of said rim (222), for example only a section of said length ofsaid rim (222) may comprise said lower metering means (50) as shown inFIG. 2. Similarly, said upper metering means (60) is laid on theinternal surface (101) of said plate on substantially the entire surfacethereof, a section thereof or along the edge of the perimeter (103),preferably along the edge of the perimeter (103). In one embodiment, theupper metering means (60) may extend along the entire edge of theperimeter (103) or in another embodiment only a section or a pluralityof sections of the edge of the perimeter (103) will comprise said uppermetering means (60). Preferably said lower metering means (50) and saidupper metering means (60) are positioned adjacent to said connection(30), more preferably said upper and lower metering means are positionedadjacent the two ends of said connection (30). In each embodiment,however, the lower metering means (50) and the upper metering means (60)are positioned such that when said applicator is in a closed state saidlower metering means (50) and said upper metering means (60) aresubstantially juxtaposed. The term juxtaposed as used herein includesembodiments wherein either of said lower (50) or upper metering means(60) is larger than or overlaps the other means. Preferably, the lowerand upper metering means (50, 60) are substantially mirror images of oneanother, and preferably directly aligned. In another embodiment, saidlower (50) and upper (60) metering means are positioned on therespective rim (222) and internal surface (101) wherein the lower (50)and the upper (60) metering means have a substantially juxtaposed, butstaggered configuration, preferably said lower (50) and upper (60)metering means are also mirror images of one another. The lower andupper metering means (50, 60) each independently comprise at least onestrip (13), preferably from 2 to 20 strips (13), preferably from 4 to 14strips (13), more preferably from 6 to 12 strips (13). Each of thestrips (13) of said upper metering means (60) are preferablysubstantially parallel to one another and similarly each of the strips(13) of said lower metering means (50) are substantially parallel to oneanother. More preferably each of said strips of said upper and lowermetering means (60, 50) respectively are substantially equidistant fromeach adjacent strip (13). In a preferred embodiment said upper meteringmeans is positioned substantially parallel to the perimeter (103) of theinternal surface (101) of the plate (10) and said lower metering meansis positioned substantially parallel to the rim (222) of the well (20)

In a particularly preferred embodiment, said lower metering means (50)and said upper metering means (60), both comprise two sets of strips(50; 50′), (60; 60′). Said sets of strips (50; 50′), (60; 60′) arepreferably located adjacent the two ends of said connection (30). Inthese embodiments each of the strips of a set of strips are preferablyparallel to one another and more preferably equidistant from eachadjacent strip (13). It should be noted that the reference 50 and 60 asused herein refer to the lower and upper fluid metering means and one ofthe sets of strips of the lower and upper metering means. Each of saidsets comprises at least one of said strips, preferably at least two ofsaid strips, more preferably 5 strips. The strips of said upper meteringmeans are preferably orientated substantially parallel to one another,and similarly the strips of said lower metering means (50) arepreferably orientated substantially parallel to one another. Morepreferably each set of strips comprises strips which are substantiallyparallel to one another and preferably substantially equidistant fromeach an adjacent strip.

Each of said strips of said lower and upper metering means (50; 60) mayindependently have a length of from about 3 mm to about 40 cm,preferably from about 5 mm to about 10 cm, more preferably from about 8mm to about 5 cm. Said strips of said lower and upper metering means(50; 60) may independently have a constant or variable width along saidlengths. Said strips of said lower and upper (50; 60) metering means mayindependently have a maximum width of from about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm,preferably from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm, more preferably from about0.1 mm to about 0.5 mm. Said lower and upper metering means (50, 60) mayindependently have a maximum height of from 0.1 mm to 5.0 mm, preferably0.2 mm to 3.0 mm, more preferably from 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm. In a preferredembodiment said strips have substantially identical and constant widthsand lengths and preferably substantially identical heights. Preferably,said upper metering means (60) is substantially a mirror image of saidlower metering means (50).

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention said upper and orlower metering means (50, 60), comprise at least two strips each whereinsaid strips (13) are not of identical heights as shown in FIG. 5.Embodiments include configurations wherein there is a central striphaving a maximum height or a minimum height and configurations whereinthe height gradually increase to a maximum, which may extend outward orinward of the applicator (1) and also wherein the strips (13) arepositioned on a raised bed which is either substantially horizontal orat a raised angle which may extend outward or inward of the applicator(1). The embodiment described herein above may be only present on saidupper or lower metering means (60, 50) or on both. Moreover, theconfigurations on said upper metering means (60) may or may not beidentical to that on said lower metering means (50). Similarly theconfiguration of said lower and said upper metering means (50, 60) mayor may not be mirror images of one another, in certain embodiments saidupper and lower metering means (60, 50) are inverted images of oneanother.

When said applicator (1) according to the invention comprises a member(40) as a hair orientation means said lower metering means (50) is laidupon said rim (222) and said upper metering means (60) is laid upon theinternal surface (101) of said plate (10) to be in correspondence tosaid member (40) as explained herein below. When said applicator (1)comprises a member (40) for example as shown in FIG. 3, said member (40)extends along said internal surface (101) with a maximum length. Theapplication of a hair treatment composition with an applicator (1)according to the invention is performed by locating said hair strandbetween said plate (10) and said well (20) and preferably said hairstrand is located substantially transversal to said maximum length L ofsaid member (40). To achieve an even application, said inner surface ofsaid lower metering means (50) is preferably laid upon a portion of saidrim (222) and said inner surface of said upper metering means (60) islaid upon a portion of the internal surface (101) which aresubstantially parallel to said maximum length L of said member (40) whensaid applicator is in a closed state, and whereby said lower and uppermetering means (50, 60) are substantially juxtaposed.

In another embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 2, saidhair orientation member comprises a first and a second fin (70; 71) assaid hair orientation member (2). Said proximal edges (90; 91) of saidfirst and second fins (70; 71) are substantially parallel to said axis Yof said plate (10). In this embodiment said first metering means (50) ispreferably laid upon a portion of said rim (222) and similarly saidsecond metering means (60) which are substantially parallel to saidproximal edges (90; 91) of said fins (70; 71) when said applicator (1)is in a closed state.

Clearly, for both the embodiments discussed above, said lower (50) andupper (60) metering means may be discontinuous and laid upon said rim(222) of said wall (222) and said internal surface (101) of said plate(10) respectively on both sides parallel to said maximum length of saidmember (40) or of said distal edges (90; 91) of said first and secondfins (70; 71) as shown in FIG. 4.

Preferably, when an applicator (1) according to the invention comprisesa sealing means (401) as described below, on said rim (222) of said well(202), said lower metering means is laid upon said rim (222) adjacentlyto said sealing means (401) either touching said sealing means (401) ornot.

The fluid metering means comprising a lower (50) and upper (60) meteringmeans_are preferably independently selected from a polymer resin such asa polyolefin e.g. polypropylene, polyethylene or polyethyleneterephthalate, polyvinylchloride, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyurethane,polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, natural rubber, latex, nylon,nitrile, silicone; thermo plastic elastomer (TPE) or copolymers whereappropriate or thermoplastic elastomers may also be used or a flexiblepliable substrate such metal based substrates and aluminium foil, ormultiple laminations or combinations of multiple layers of saidmaterials. Preferably, said upper and lower metering means (60, 50) aremade from a thermoplastic elastomer. The fluid metering means of thepresent invention may also include composite materials having one ormore plies of the same or different materials superimposed physically,joined together continuously (laminated), in a discontinuous pattern, orby bonding the external edges at discrete loci.

Said lower and upper metering means (50; 60) may be attached by anysuitable method to said rim (222) and to said internal surface (101) ofsaid plate (10), respectively, providing that said method does notdestroy or alter the performance of said metering means (50; 60). Saidstrips may or may not be attached to an adjacent strip or to the stripson a set of strips.

4. Additional Features

The applicator (1) may further comprise one or more sealing means,preferably one sealing means (401) is present within the hair treatmentapplicator (1). Said sealing means (401) may be located on the base(201) of said well (20) adjacent to said wall (202) at the side of theconnection (30) or on said internal surface (101) adjacent to saidconnection (30). Preferably said sealing means (401) is adjacent to saidconnection (30).

The sealing means (401) is provided to avoid displacement of hairtreatment composition towards the connection (30) and hair from beingtrapped within said connection (30) when said internal surface (101) ofsaid plate (10) is brought into a juxtaposed relationship to saidopening (203) of said well (20). Useful materials to manufacture asealing means (401) include those described herein for said first fin(71) and foams.

One or more stop mechanisms may be incorporated onto said applicator(1). The stop mechanism collaborates with said connection (30) to ensurethat when said internal surface (101) of said plate (10) is brought intoa juxtaposed relationship to said opening (203) of said well (20), theaverage distance between said perimeter (103) and said rim (222) iscontrolled. In one embodiment, two stop mechanisms are comprised on saidrim (222) of said wall (201) of said well (20), preferably said two stopmechanisms are two substantially identical hemispheres. Useful materialsto manufacture a stop mechanism are previously described herein tomanufacture the plate (10) or well (20) described herein.

The applicator (1) disclosed herein may further comprise gripping areason the external surfaces (102) of said plate (10) and/or on said base(201) of said well (20). Said gripping areas are designed to providegrip. Gripping means may be provided as fastening means to accommodatethe user's fingers.

Fingers may be used to select the hair strands on which the hairtreatment composition should be applied. The applicator (1) of thepresent invention may however be further provided with hair strandselection means. Examples of hair strand selection means are, but notlimited to, spikes, hooks, crochets, clips or beads. The hair strandselection means may be incorporated onto said plate (10) and/or saidwell (20). Said means may also be attached through a snap mechanism tosaid plate (10) and/or said well (20) such that the hair strandselection means may swing from a position proximal to said plate (10)and/or said well (20) to a far one, such as happens with the blades of apenknife. The hair strand selection means may also be separatelyprovided to the applicator (1) of the present invention as a componentof a kit as described herein below.

5. Method of Use

The present invention also relates to a method to apply a hair treatmentcomposition with said applicator (1) according to the invention to ahair strand, preferably a bundle of hair strands, wherein saidapplicator (1) comprises said hair treatment composition and wherebysaid hair strand is contacted with said applicator (1). Said applicator(1) may be pre-loaded with one or more hair treatment compositions, butpreferably one or more hair treatment compositions are loaded into saidapplicator (1) before the contact of said hair strand, preferably saidbundle of hair strands, with said applicator (1).

The hair treatment compositions may be a single hair treatmentcomposition or may be formed by a first hair treatment composition whichrequires mixing with a second hair treatment composition beforeapplication to the hair. Preferably, said first and second hairtreatment compositions are mixed to form a third hair treatmentcomposition. Said third hair treatment composition is loaded in saidhair treatment applicator (1) before contacting the hair strand,preferably a bundle of hair strands, with said hair treatment applicator(1).

Once the hair treatment applicator (1) is loaded with one or more hairtreatment compositions, the user holds through the external surfaces(102) of said plate (10) and base (201) of said well (20) of saidapplicator (1) in one hand, preferably between the thumb and the indexfinger. Once the user has selected the hair strands to be treated, saidhair strand, preferably said bundle of hair strands, is located betweensaid plate (10) and said containment portion (20) while the applicator(1) is in an open state. Subsequently said internal surface (101) ofsaid plate (10) is brought into a juxtaposed relationship to saidopening (203) of said well (20). Said applicator (1) is swiped along thelength of said hair strand, preferably on said bundle of hair strands,and one or more hair treatment compositions are applied. Morepreferably, said hair treatment applicator (1) is located at theroot-line of said hair strand, preferably at the root-line of saidbundle of hair strands. The hair treatment composition may also beapplied only to limited areas of the hair, i.e. the user can coat onlythe root-line with the hair treatment composition. The swiping may berepeated more than once, preferably twice.

Finally, the application of the hair treatment composition may occur onwet or dry hair and optionally, a rinsing or a shampooing step can beincluded between application of the first and second compositions to thehair.

6. Hair Treatment Compositions, Use Thereof and Kit

The present invention further comprises a kit. Said kit comprises anapplicator (1) according to the invention and one or more individuallypackaged hair treatment compositions. Preferably, these compositions areselected from the group consisting of styling compositions, dyeingcompositions, highlighting compositions or combination thereof. Each ofthese hair treatment compositions or combinations thereof may be used toprovide a hair strand effect with said applicator (1) described above.More preferably, said one or more hair treatment composition is ahighlighting composition.

Examples of hair treatment compositions which can be used with the hairtreatment applicator (1) according to the invention are indicated belowin table 1.

The hair treatment compositions may comprise components known,conventionally used, or otherwise effective for use in hair treatmentcompositions particularly oxidative bleaching and dye compositions whichinclude but are not limited to: developer dye compounds; coupler dyecompounds; direct dyes; oxidizing agents; reducing agents; thickeners;chelants; pH modifiers and buffering agents; alkalising agents,carbonate ion sources and radical scavenger systems; glycine;amodimethicone, ethylenediamine disuccinic acid; anionic, cationic,non-ionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants, or mixtures thereof;anionic, cationic, non-ionic, amphoteric or zwitterionic polymers,hydrophobically modified polymers or mixtures thereof; fragrances;dispersing agents; solvents, peroxide stabilizing agents; chelants,humectants, proteins and derivatives thereof, plant materials (e.g.aloe, chamomile and henna extracts); silicones (volatile ornon-volatile, modified or non-modified), film-forming agents, cellulosepolymers and their derivatives, ceramides, preserving agents, gelnetworks, colour indicators and opacifiers. Some adjuvants which aresuitable are listed in the International Cosmetics Ingredient Dictionaryand Handbook, (8th ed.; The Cosmetics, Toiletry, and FragranceAssociation). Particularly, vol. 2, sections 3 (Chemical Classes) and 4(Functions) are useful in identifying specific adjuvants to achieve aparticular purpose or multipurpose. A representative but not exhaustivelist of polymers and thickening agents can be found in “TheEncyclopaedia of Polymers and Thickeners for Cosmetics” compiled andedited by Robert Y. Lochhead, PhD and William R. Fron, Department ofPolymer Science, University of Southern Mississippi.

The present invention further comprises a kit. Said kit comprises anapplicator (1) as described above and one or more individually packagedhair treatment compositions. More than one applicator (1) may becomprised in said kit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, said one or moreindividually packaged hair treatment compositions comprise a firstindividually packaged hair treatment composition and a secondindividually packaged hair treatment composition. When mixed said firstand second individually packaged hair treatment compositions form athird hair treatment composition. Examples of such compositions includeso called semi-permanent and permanent colorants which typically containoxidative dyes and an oxidant, and highlighting compositions containingan oxidant and an alkalising agent, optionally with a persulfate salt.Preferably, said first individually packaged composition comprises anoxidizing agent and said second individually packaged compositioncomprises an alkalizing agent. Preferably, said oxidizing agent ishydrogen peroxide. More preferably, at least one of said first and/orsecond individually packaged hair treatment composition comprises apersulfate salt.

In one embodiment of the kit according to the present invention saidfirst individually packaged hair treatment composition comprises from 3%to 12% of hydrogen peroxide by weight of said first individuallypackaged hair treatment composition and said second individuallypackaged hair treatment composition is in the form of a powder or pasteactivator and said second individually packaged hair treatmentcomposition comprises from 10% to 60% of persulfate salt selected fromsodium persulfate, potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate or mixturesthereof, by weight of said second individually packaged hair treatmentcomposition. Said kit optionally comprises a third individually packagedhair treatment composition comprising from 3% to 25% of an alkalizingagent in an aqueous vehicle, by weight of said third individuallypackaged hair treatment composition.

In another embodiment of the present invention said first individuallypackaged hair treatment composition comprises from 1.5% to 12% ofhydrogen peroxide by weight of said first individually packaged hairtreatment composition and said second individually packaged hairtreatment composition comprises from 0.01% to 6% of a dye selected fromdirect dyes, oxidative dye precursors, oxidative dye couplers ormixtures thereof, by weight of said second individually packaged hairtreatment composition.

Additional individually packaged hair treatment compositions may bepresent in the kit and may comprise shampoos, conditioner or stylingproducts.

Herein below are given some examples of hair treatment compositionswhich are loaded into the hair treatment applicator (1) according to theinvention. Each of the applicator embodiments described herein when usedtogether with the compositions described herein below provide easy andsimple application of the composition to the hair, resulting in an evenapplication without any consumer discomfort or snagging of the hairduring use.

A hair bleaching composition was prepared by mixing about 45 g of any ofthe formulations of Phase 1 (1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, table 1), which were ina liquid form with about 15 g of any of the formulations of Phase 2(1.2, 2.2, 3.2, 4.2, in table 1), which were in a powder form. Mixingwas achieved as follows: the powder formulation of Phase 2 was placedinto a mixing tray and the liquid formulation of Phase 1 was poured ontop of the powder. The two formulations were then mixed together using aspatula to form a bleaching composition. Mixing was completed when thebleaching composition looked visually homogeneous.

TABLE 1 Formulations of Phase 1 and 2 which can be mixed to form ahighlighting composition. All ingredients are in percentage by weight ofthe formulation phase. Phase 1 1.1 2.1 3.1 4.1 De-ionized Water q.s. to100% q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% q.s. to 100% Hydrogen Peroxide (35% 17.217.2 17.2 17.2 Active) Disodium EDTA 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.04 SodiumHydroxide (50% aq. q.s. to pH 3.5 q.s. to pH 3.5 q.s. to pH 3.5 q.s. topH 3.5 Solution) Stearyl Alcohol¹ 2 1 2 2 Cetyl Alcohol² 3 1.5 3 3Ceteareth 25³ 1.5 0.75 1.5 1.5 Aculyn ™ 33⁴ 2.4 Salcare ™ SC 90⁵ 1 Phase2 1.2 2.2 3.2 4.2 Ammonium Persulfate 28.6 28.6 28.6 28.6 PotassiumPersulfate 50 50 50 47 Sodium Persulfate 7.14 7.14 7.14 7.14 SodiumMetasilicate 14.26 14.26 14.26 14.26 Carbopol ™ Ultrez 10⁶ 3 ¹StearylAlcohol Crodacol S-95, Croda, Inc. ²Cetyl Alcohol, Crodacol C-70, Croda,Inc. ³Cetearth 25, Cremophor A 25, BASF Corporation ⁴Aculyn ™ 33, Rohmand Hass Company Inc. ⁵Salcare ™ SC 90 Ciba Specialty ChemicalsCorporation ⁶Carbopol ™ Ultrez 10

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. An applicator (1) for applying a hair treatment composition to thehair, wherein said applicator (1) comprises a plate (10) and a well(20), wherein said plate (10) and well (20) are movably joined by aconnection (30) so that the applicator (1) may alternate between aclosed and an open state, and wherein said plate (10) has an externalsurface (102) and an internal surface (101), and said internal surface(101) comprises at least one hair orientation means which extends beyondsaid internal surface (101) towards said well (20), and wherein saidwell (20) comprises a rim (222) and wherein said applicator (1) furthercomprises a fluid metering means, wherein said fluid metering meanscomprises a lower metering means (50) positioned on said rim (222) ofsaid well (20), and an upper metering means (60) positioned on saidinternal surface (101) of said plate (10), wherein said lower and uppermetering means (50, 60), each independently comprise at least oneresilient strip (13) and wherein when said applicator (1) is in saidclosed state, said lower metering means (50) and said upper meteringmeans (60) are substantially juxtaposed to provide said fluid meteringmeans.
 2. The applicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein said lowermetering means (50) is substantially a mirror image of said uppermetering means (60).
 3. The applicator (1) according to claim 1, whereinsaid fluid metering means is selected from thermoplastic elastomers. 4.The applicator (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said lowermetering means (50) and said upper metering means (60) independentlycomprise from 2 to 20, of said strips (13).
 5. The applicator (1)according to claim 1, wherein each of said strips (13) of said lowermetering means (50) and said upper metering means (60) are continuous.6. The applicator according to claim 4, wherein each of said strips (13)of said upper metering means (60) are substantially parallel to oneanother and wherein each of said strips (13) of said lower meteringmeans (50) are substantially parallel to one another.
 7. The applicatoraccording to claim 6, wherein each said strips (13) of said uppermetering means (60) are substantially equidistant from each adjacentstrip (13) and wherein each said strips (13) of said lower meteringmeans (50) are substantially equidistant from each adjacent strip (13).8. The applicator according to claim 1, wherein said fluid meteringmeans is liquid impervious.
 9. The Applicator according to claim 4,wherein said strips (13) have substantially an identical width andlength and preferably substantially an identical height.
 10. TheApplicator according to claim 1, wherein said lower metering means (50)comprises two sets of said strips (13), wherein each set comprises atleast one said strips (13) and wherein said sets of strips (13) arelocated adjacent the two ends of said connection (30).
 11. TheApplicator according to claim 1, wherein said lower metering means (50)is positioned substantially parallel to said rim (222) of said well (20)and said upper metering means (60) is positioned substantially parallelto the perimeter (103) of said internal surface (101) of said plate (10)12. The Applicator according to claim 1, wherein said upper meteringmeans (60), comprises two sets of said strips (13), wherein each setcomprises at least one of said strips (13) and wherein said sets ofstrips (13) are located adjacent the two ends of said connection (30).13. A method to apply a hair treatment composition with said applicator(1) according to claim 1, to a hair strand, wherein said methodcomprises applying a hair treatment composition to said applicator (1)in said open state, selecting a bundle of hair strands, placing saidhair strands in said applicator (1) and bringing said applicator (1)into said closed position and then swiping said applicator (1) along thelength of said hair strand.
 14. A kit-of parts comprising an applicator(1) according to claim 1; and one or more individually packaged hairtreatment compositions, and instructions for use.
 15. Use of anapplicator (1) according to claim 1, with one or more hair treatmentcompositions or combinations thereof with to provide a hair strandeffect.